Laura MarlingAlas I Cannot Swim

Ribbon Music / A6006R

Laura Marling'Alas I Cannot Swim'

2 reviews »Before I begin let me be clear, I like Laura Marlings music, a lot. This much lauded debut was recorded with her tenure in Noah and the whale hanging over her like a cheese laden lead balloon. The record is filled with solid tunes however it's Charlie Finks whaleificafion of her sound, the one that ... »

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Before I begin let me be clear, I like Laura Marlings music, a lot. This much lauded debut was recorded with her tenure in Noah and the whale hanging over her like a cheese laden lead balloon. The record is filled with solid tunes however it's Charlie Finks whaleificafion of her sound, the one that would blossom on her next LP, that lets this album down.

If you adore that bluesy Joni Mitchell like sound that Laura does so well skip this LP but if you want to hear how she transformed from the whales backing singer to the genius she is now then by all means hit the buy button.

I had intended on going on a total rant about Charlie Fink and his mediocre production but hey it's not worth it. I think Noah and the whale have enough on their plate this week without me sticking the boot in.

What I will say about Laura's vinyl is that the quality of the packaging is consistently high. Good stout card and gatefold sleeves with brilliant artwork. Good to finish on s positive note.

8/10Penrith Steve
Customer review, 11th January 2015

To open your debut album with a song as good as “Ghosts” is an achievement for an artist of any age, but when you’re just 18, it’s quite remarkable. The album as a whole isn’t as good as any of her later efforts, that is to be expected – but it’s still a very good album. All the seeds of her future triumphs are sewn here. There are strong songs such as “Night Terror” and “Failure” and “My Manic and I”. The beautiful title track appears as a hidden track, tagged on to the end of the album. I like Laura Marling despite her associations with a band I don’t particularly care for – Noah & The Whale. Also, I think their singer, Charlie Fink, does a pretty good job of producing this, apart form the twee plinky-plonk of the xylophone on “You’re No God”.